Published By: K.D Cameron

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Childhood aggression is a growing problem around the world. It’s particularly troubling, because social interventions are only marginally effective, and nobody wants to drug growing young minds and bodies. But what’s a parent to do? Living with an aggressive child can be a frightening experience.

New research published in the Journal of Childhood Psychology and Psychiatry suggests that supplementation with Omega-3 fatty acids can be an effective strategy for soothing the mind of a troubled child and improving behavior.

Following earlier research in which aggressive and antisocial behavior was reduced in children receiving daily fish oil supplementation for six months, researchers designed a larger study to aim for broader, more applicable outcomes in a representable population.

The study included 290 children with a history of violence. After three months, researchers recorded significant reductions in aggressive behavior in those receiving Omega-3 supplementation as compared to those not receiving the supplements. These results also held true at six months.

This is just the latest in a growing body of evidence supporting the role of Omega-3 fatty acids in brain health, mental wellness and specifically, childhood development and behavior. If you are the parent of a young child, the evidence is clear: Omega-3 supplementation can be a safe and effective strategy for building a happy, healthy life.